Dr. Zwick’s approach to therapeutic process with children and adolescents often can take on different forms such as “talking therapy,” or playing therapeutic games depending on the child’s openness but the primary goal is always to reaffirm the child’s separate, autonomous and competent sense of self. The therapeutic relationship between therapist and child is of paramount importance and a prerequisite to healing and change. Therapy can be directive and didactic such as teaching Cognitive Behavioral strategies to expand one’s coping repertoire. One-on-one therapy can also be nondirective, helping the child or adolescent define themselves, gaining insight and experiencing mastery and control over their lives. Mindfulness and breathing practices are quick and easy to learn and can be incorporated into a child’s repertoire of coping skills. When combined with cognitive therapy, they have been proven to effectively treat anxiety, a growing problem among our younger population. Children are going to face challenges throughout their lives and these skills can be readily available additions to their coping toolbox. Generally, Dr. Zwick combines individual therapy with children and adolescents with some form of parent consultation or family therapy to insure that the context changes to support the child’s growth. Finally, collaboration with the child’s school may be a part of the total intervention strategy.
